Travelogue of a daydreamerhttp://www.rainyhills.com
short trips lasting memories, places and how to visit info from end to end!Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:56:01 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1New Year 2016http://www.rainyhills.com/new-year-2016/
http://www.rainyhills.com/new-year-2016/#commentsWed, 31 Aug 2016 17:47:45 +0000http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=3040

Nature sat with us, all those days, smiling, just wished to be a part of us.

.. and I just had one as I finally started to pen it down. Its bit embarrassing to look at how much time I really took. Even though I can point fingers on few things, I will have to own the delay.

Novembers generally give me mood swings(?!!). Its all about the December plans. If the plan is not ready for the year end and especially for the New year trip, the very thought tries to get a bright yellow tent in my thought clouds. Luckily, got it sorted in time.

We considered few places as usual, Mysore Kabini river lodges (for the Nth time), Kothagiri/Ooty, Mudumalai, Coonor, Kannur (Kerala) were considered for the primary choices and if none works, Coorg/virajpet/Chikmagalur was the fallback plan. At certain point of time, I was giving up hopes of finding a decent place to accommodate us all & especially kids friendly. When we were all single, we stayed in secluded, haunted huts with no basic amenities. Times changed now, we select only those places that have access to essentials within the reasonable distances.

I felt always, had this not been the year-end period, my guys would find excuses to join the trip. While this year end time is convenient to bring (most of them) under one tent, we need to compete with rest of the world to grab a decent place. Now you know the reason for my November nausea.

As a last resort, I went on to search for accommodations on google maps (yes, maps), and found a place called “Amazing Resorts” near Kothagiri. This was almost love at first site. This was more of a homestay/bungalow on a hilltop that can accommodate 3 families. However, I had no intentions to let that go. Even though I found “Eta Carinae” another bungalow exactly with same features, I told this is it. This has not only saved us but turned out to be the best by all means compared to all the other trips we had.

30 December 2015

Last night of this day, Kannan and I came to Bangalore and after so many years, Bangalore reminded of those good old days – to be specific 2003, and 2004. I would say I liked that Bangalore better. Not much of traffic, cool weather and of course, ‘the Gang’ – these were some of the reasons. But somewhere down the line, I couldn’t associate that place with the love I had for that. We indulged in the last minute shopping that day with the lunch that consisted just starters and desserts – that’s what happens when you see the real Indian food after ages.

We were to start from Bangalore by 10pm that night.

I knew, I don’t have to rush my packing until I get a call from my guys that the first family has been picked. This is ritual – we would never start in time, doesn’t matter whatever the plan is. Shortly I was told Kubhi sent Krish off and they were on their way to pick Vinoth’s. By the standards, it’s a bit early, anyways, I thought its good and got my stuff shoved into the haversack and got ready. Then time ticked slowly.

We got picked later (very late as the traffic in Bangalore is too good), and to make us worry more, the tempo traveller had one seat short. It was a typical seat but was removed to ease the passage for the previous trip. Drive got that re-fitted in BTM and we were on our way. Needless to say, we had numerous stops for McDonald’s fries, midnight road-side tea and other snacks.

Our initial plan was to use the route Bangalore – Mysore – Nanjangudu – Gundlupet – Bandipur -Mudumalai – Masinagudi – Kalhatti – Ooty. (has 26 Pin turns, scenic), but we were told that road is closed during the night. I made my mind cover this scenic route while returning and used Banglore-Salem-Bhavani-Avinashi-Mettupalayam.

31 December 2015

As our destination was Kothagiri, we didn’t really have to go to Ooty. Right after Mettupalayam, we took the right to go to Kothagiri directly. In the very last few day, Amazing Resort gave us a slightly uncomfortable information that check-in will not be as early as we requested as the previous guests extended a day. However, he was kind enough to arrange a place for us to freshen up and have breakfast at Nahar Retreat & Wellness Spa. We reached in time for the breakfast.

Nahar retreat is beautiful – An entrance almost hidden with casuarina trees, huge lawn with lush green grass facing a beautiful valley with various benches and swings. I was even started worrying what if people don’t like the real destination. We had our decent breakfast to make things better, we have been informed that Amazing Resort is ready to check us in.

Ride to Amazing Resorts was even more beautiful with numerous bends offering views of the valley and tea estates. Every turn had a beautiful bungalow. Finally, we reached our destination – we ignored driver’s incessant worries about reversing the vehicle, unloaded our stuff and walked uphill for a very long — 3 minutes on a rocky & mud road. We were spellbound when we reached the top. As the entrance is from the behind, it didn’t give away the actual view until we reached the entrance. It was on a mount which had 360 degrees of the surrounding which had lovely mountains and valleys. The small but completely functional grass lawn was more than perfect viewing platform. The house was more of a triumph to itself standing very proud on the edge of the hill. In the distance, the plains of Mettupalayam were clearly visible. This was the best of both worlds. Far away from the madness but with the view of them in ridiculously small sizes and a completely relaxing atmosphere where the air was chilling lungs. Ramesh did say later that this ‘is’ the best of the places we have hit so for. Even though he hadn’t joined us in all the trips, I was reluctant to challenge what he said.

We were greeted by its owner, an ex merchant-ship executive who was extremely organized which we came to know later. His passion about contributing back to nature and his orderliness and the quality of the food served were simply beyond comparison. Even the dosa (uthappams) served by him were amazingly garnished. He loved what he was doing. We told him, if he ever opens a chain of hotels, they will be a huge success by all means.

After a long and worthy chit-chat with the owner with nice cups of teas and coffees (Kannan reckons that was the best tea he ever had until now and remembers how much he was shy and guilty for going for 2nd and 3rd cups), we thought to rest a while (which is the most dangerous of all, as none of the first day ‘resting’ ended before the evening). I didn’t worry this time as we had 4 days in a place where we had no intentions to go ‘out’ for sight seeing as the bungalow had everything we would have ever wanted in the name of vacation.

Part of the gang split in the evening and went to treat themselves to Nahar Retreat, few us stayed back. It was so eerily quiet and we were waiting for the flock to come back, honestly. The cold was literally numbing in the evening and the distant lights of the town were simply a treat to the eyes.

Our request for campfire has been honoured and we told the owner that we will help ourselves to light it ( a bit of over confidence, but we did manage to). We had our usual rounds of talking about how the past year went and what we wanna do with the new one. Cold wasn’t kind enough, so we had to retreat back into the bungalow. We exchanged our gifts and of course that was followed by cutting a flavoured cake. Kids were happier than us with the new place and the less intruding parents.

The living room accommodated us tightly but cozy. This is where the most important conversation happened with which Ramesh would haunt me in the group chat for the rest of the year.

It was after midnight, but we had no idea to let go of the lovely night ahead of us. Unintentionally, we started talking about the Chennai floods and its chaos and what youth did and stuff. Our rebellious group, in turn, talked in the branches of the topic. That place, our friends, those lovely kids, few beers – we couldn’t have really asked for anything better. It was almost 2am, I thought it would be too late for the next day if we don’t hit the bed. So, suggested our people to wrap. Little less I know, Ramesh was completely intrigued by the social welfare topics we discussed and ended up staring at the roof for another hour lying in the bed. See, this was not my fault. " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> but until today, he damages me that I wrapped up the topic because I ran out of beer. " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />

01 Jan 2016

Not only he(Ramesh) last a good night sleep, he was up early and in the name of sunrise time, he woke me up. Had that not been for the sunrise, I would have definitely pushed him off the lawn.. " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> He told me later that he was up even earlier. I promptly took a couple of pics and quietly went back to bed waiting for the morning Tea. As a ritual, we went to a nearby temple and prayed for the year to come to be better. " class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />

Kodanad viewpoint

Situated roughly after 20Kms from Kothagiri, this place has an amazing viewpoint. This stretch of the road is so beautiful – needless to say, this leads to the estate of current CM Jayalalitha. I really wished we had access to those beautiful little hills of tea estates.

Deep ravines made by Moyar river makes this place quite unique. This place is best visited early morning or at dusk. Our midday bright sunlight gave away less of this place’s beauty. Who care, our guys got spicy bajjis which compensated enough. Late afternoon, we went back to our stay for refreshments.

Catherine waterfalls

After passing Odea restaurant (For its beauty, I had planned for a dinner but never got materialized), the road ends. It was slowly getting darker with our brisk walks to the falls. After passing through a small settlement and tea estate, we started hearing the sound of the waterfalls but nowhere to find. The further walk did show a glimpse of the falls but as it was getting darker and darker, we decided to retreat. While returning, we did see a huge bison who was totally busy eating inside a tea-estate who had no interest to show the face even for a moment.

02 Jan 2016

Doddabedda peak

It was one of the worst mistakes of the day. Road to the peak is in its worst condition and that day being a weekend, there was a complete jam for some time. We got down from the vehicles halfway to the peak and started walking. At the top, the place is surrounded by way too many shops selling picked mango slices and all sorts of winter wear. A small path leads to the viewpoint that has watch tower. It was overcrowded that day. Krish was vocal in saying that we came all the way to not just to have ice cream and mangoes as people shown less interest to go to the viewpoint. Ramesh said it was more like having Nayanthara at home and going to a movie by her. Only he can think of those lines..:-D

Tea factories

Ooty is surrounded by tea factories and having known the interests of tourists, there is a burst of Tea estate owned buildings that exhibit how the Tea is made and also sell Tea leaves/dust, coffee powder, home made chocolates, special rusk, and spices. We ended up in one, which had 4 floors of all the stuff I listed with huge machines that processed Tea leaves. We did get free tea which tasted really good.

Botanical garden.

Later that day, we went to the botanical garden. The very sight of the long queue at the ticket counter made us ask whether we really want to inside. Since childhood, we had been there a few times, so we were hesitant. However, for few, this was the first time. So we swam into the queue and got us the tickets. We settled in the center of the garden which is a huge grassland. It looked like a huge picnic centre. Kids ran around chasing soap bubbles. This place would have been a good one had that not been a weekend.

03 Jan 2016

This was our last day of at Amazing resorts. We said bye to the best host we ever had headed to Bangalore. To my dismay again, our vehicle was not allowed to go via Kallati. On our way back, we had the options to go to Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary (TN border), or to Bandipur after entering KA. As the time we had was lesser we opted to Bandipur safari. The place is not as beautiful compared to the highlands where we stayed until, but it is filled with wildlife. Flocks of spotted deer, monkeys and elephants are not hard to see. Kids had the great time seeing those animals during the safari. We never managed to see a tiger or samba deer as their ‘spotted-animals’ notice board claimed. We were again back on the road to Bangalore little later with inquisitive eyes looking for restaurants for dinner.

This brought the another memorable to trip to an end but gave more hopes to the ones to come.

Singapore airshow happened between 16th to 21st of Feb and I got my tickets well in advance. I love this event because I get to see the aerial shows and the participating crafts up-close on the ground along with newest technologies in combat technology (I don’t follow them though). Another part I wonder as usual, how efficiently this event is organized. Given the massive amount of public involved, I hardly faced any waiting time. Kudos to them.

Generally, I used to stick to the morning aerial show but this time, I felt I had time and decided to hang around till the afternoon aerial show which was even better. Little less I realized my full-frame dslr with 24-105 didn’t get me enough of what I wanted. Its a shame that I didn’t go for a better suitable lens.

The air was crisp and the stunts gave goosebumps often. I, wholeheartedly envied the pilots and their skills and wished they knew how much the crowd and enjoyed and cheered. This is one of those definite moments where I wish I-should-have-been-there.

As part of the flying display Programme – In the morning, Boeing F-15SG & Boeing AH64D Apache (Republic of Air Force), Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (US Air Force) and Dassault Rafale (Armee De l’ Air) which was my personal favorite.
In the afternoon, Sukhoi Su-30MKM (Royal Malaysian Air Force), Airbus A350 XWB (didn’t happen that day – I believe), Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (US Air Force) and Black Eagles (Aerobatic Team, Republic of Korea Air Force) which was the highlight of the whole event.

“Time“, I heard in a tone that weaves your heart.
That’s the name of it and I wouldn’t have asked,
I didn’t dare.

No one knew, carried it, so deep.
And so shallow, when rains, so hard.
First sign, gulp of cold wind,
then magic unswirled.

Spirals of droplets, neat and smooth,
weaves and weaves, soak until rhythm.
Another deep breath, rhythm was beyond.

Broke silence, asked,
what is that you have;
that I was cursed to have not.
All I want, aren’t we all?

As if will hear this time, an answer..
Kid’s heart you become, less wanting.
Surface turned green, small and smaller.
Another blink, and looked over shoulder,
have I grown wings, so not yet.

More drizzles and pastures with mists,
where one lose themselves.
It was a long snooze. Thought said it didn’t,
Heart said it was. will I care? Less.

Long after, dark and dark mellowed green.
drizzles wet eyes gently,
winds howling and ear petals cold and numb.
Now I knew I will hear,
and thought said, it’s not end, see you soon.

Joyous moments they were. It’s no exception,
we need bad things. know that all what’s good, after all.
There was one, mother of all.
Yes, thought was back, it rested too,
came back fierce. Demanded all, at once.

Shy of a cry, more of a pain,
joy of a hell, all at once.
Nags you, swindles you, pulls you, pushes you,
all at once. Before you gain the feet.

Looked up, so high, sky was pale.
Pale of pale. You knew, I was asking,
Rain, will not pray.
I wasn’t dreaming, really it did. It did.

All over again. Harsh and harsh. All I saw,
One thing. Sparkles of silvers and crystals.
Hadn’t I touched them, believed them else.
It was longer, even more intense.

Rain stopped with the long eerie silence.
Silence that scared the self ‘coz of self..
It wasn’t too late, eyes stared to the horizon..
Not too late, I noticed. I wasn’t drowning anymore.

Then that angel said, fluttering wings.
That’s your lesson, for you to master.
It waits for no one, never.You will never be no one. Ever.

This is the 3rd day in Iceland. What should have been the highlight of this trip became the least interesting day. “F” roads were not opened and my last minute hopes that laugar would be open for driving dampened. I mentally had a plan B for day 3 to Thorsmork even that turned out to be open road driving crossing more than 10 actual rivers swelling with water. As I had seen enough to spike my adrenaline, wanted to have this day for leisure. Still we managed to explore few other places.

Below is just the place holder for my notes; if I ever go back to Icelanad, Laugar and Thorsmork is ON. Landmannalaugar – go in F-road while going come back in non-F roadHaifoss – can be covered while going to landmannalugar – but check – 8kms
This is indeed one of the nicest waterfalls in Iceland. In the afternoon the waterfall gets sunlight but this makes it hard to take pictures off the canyon that is also very nice.
The road to it is maybe not easy to spot. Driving on the 32 from Reykjavik a few km BEFORE the hydro station and bridge there is a small sign (also same road to Guesthouse Hólaskógur) and you need to leave the 32. So if you cross the long bridge over the river or go on the 26 you are too far. The road is for 4×4 but it is just bumpy no river crossings and grip is good.
It is not so far from F208 entry to Landmannalaugar so if you stay in the neighborhood for a hike in Landmannalaugar it is nice to spend some time.
If landmannalaugar road is not opened, plan haifoss waterfall or south iceland. – AND THAT HAPPENED!

Hveragerdir earthquake town

This is a little town that got violantly shaken due to an earthquake in 2008. This town is mostly run by the geothermal hot springs energy. There are many hikes from this place. We drove around the down for a while and explored the Geo thermal park before we went back to Selfoss. This place is hardly 14 Kms from Selfoss.

Kerid Crater

Later that afternoon, we explored another place called Kerid. This was almost nothing compared to the previous days we had in Iceland but I would have had a 12 hour hike to see this if its not Iceland.

How it formed

The crater Kerid was formed about 6500 years ago and lies at the northern end of a row of craters. It is oval about 270 meter long, 170m wide and 55m deep. Volcanologists used to class Kerid as an explosion crater. Explosion craters are formed in explosive eruptions which sometimes leave deep craters. However, deeper studies of the Grimsnes area haev not revealed the existence of any ash deposits that could be traced to an explosive eruption in Kerid and it is now believed that it was originally a large scoria crater. It is clear that as much as half of the Tjarnarholahraun lava flowed in Kerid. Its present form, the crater was probably formed bya small magma chamber beneath the crater being emptied towards the end of the eruption resulting in a collapse.

AND, that completes Iceland trip. One of the most beautiful experiences I could hold. I loved that eerie and serene and everything it offered. I will go back, again, for sure.

That 350 Kms of drive is all for this. By the time we reached it was 8pm. Yes, that late. Acceptable if the destination for the day is that. There were very few hotels and I was even considering calling it a day after exploring Jokursalon. We had complete daylight, thanks to the location of the Iceland. We leisurely took an hour to explore the place. Vatnajokull glacier sends icebergs in herds to the sea and we can witness what happens when it meets the sea. One of the strongest proof that the weak human is nothing in front the of the powerful nature. Those icebergs were the sizes of small houses and the river smoothly sends them to the sea. Occasionally the icebergs rumble and at times they break after hitting another. These icebergs have more history than anyone I would know. They are old and seen the world changing. That serene blue color says 100s of things about them. 350Kms of drive made me tired but this place gave me a fresh feeling. Later we walked to the other side of the road and spent a while with the washed up parts of icebergs. Reluctantly I told myself its time to return to make it to Selfoss back which itself a tedious task at hand. Important thing to remember is to have the full tank when you leave Vik. But I have seen places where they sold fuel after that, but its best to have the full tank. Be prepared to the funny machines and credit cards that ask pin codes. I had some tough time becuase of the pincode for credit card methods. Thanks for the voucher method thats an alternate.

Well, hear this. When I set my GPS travel planner back to selfoss by 9pm, it showed me the time I would be reaching as 5:30. I was tired, little panicking as it would be a riskything to do. After few minutes my mind cleared up and told me its because of the actual travel planner calculated both ways. To hell with that (:-P). I told myself to give 200 kms in 2 hours, rest should be fine to reach around 1am. Wherever possible, I took time and got my coffee. Luckily, tourists dont hog the road at that time. I managed to be little excess of 100 (perfectly safe for that road using a SUV). I have seen people overtaking me, but I was in no rush. After all I came there to enjoy the nature. Roads were actually clear and better than the morning. Sunlight was ample to show the beauty. Roads like that and the brand new car and the drive, memories can never be enhanced. At times, I took time to get down and took some pics and enjoyed the strong breeze that tried to freeze the cheeks. I managed to reach selfoss by 12:30 and I was wide awake for a long time about the drive I had for the day.

What would be the right way to do the south Iceland trip

Actually, South Iceland trip should not be done in 1 or 2 days but 3. Yes, 3 days is the right way of doing. Am not laid back, still I would say, South Iceland exploration should be atleast 3 days. 2 days would be just enough, but again it will have to be rushed. Until Vik, one can expect some hotels to stay and some rare ones after that. My experience would be more than enough to avoid the mistakes.

As the little hike and the weather ate pretty much of energy, drove to a restaurant and ate and continued to Dyrhólaey. As we left Skogafoss, the scenary changes from flat road to long hilly roads and the mammoth Myrdalsjokull leaves nothing else to view. Its bad enough that we cant see anything other than the base of it. Clouds covered the rest of it and the drizzling turned itself into a strong rain. I was worried about the rest of the day but had hopes that it wont be that bad. A quick right turn from the road “1” to “218” takes us to Dyrhólaey.

This is a promontory with steep cliffs that extend into the sea with the highest elevation at 115m. There are 3 gaps pass through at water level. This island was formed by a volcanic eruption 100 thousand years ago. Haidrangur is the highest of the sea stacks here.

This place is full of corroded sea cliffs quietly show the vastness. The place and its ash (almost black) colored beach earned its name Black sand beach. Some pictures that I took here exactly black and white in normal modes. A small walk on the beach would be a one in lifetime experience. The way those small pebbles rumbling under the shoes itlsef say 100 things. Cliff views and beach walks wanted me to stay there for longer, but honestly I hadnt even crossed half of the destination, let alone return to base.

Actually route 218 splits just before Dyrhólaey and generally people take the straight road but the right turn takes us on a mountain road thats just good enough for skilled driver and a supporting 4×4 which is the real Dyrhólaey viewing point. The other one takes us to the black sand beach. That drive was really thrilling but the Kia Sportage didnt even moan about it. I was the one who was pale whenever a car wanted the side of the road to cross and I had to face a bus as well. I just prayed that the SUV stays on the slippery mountain road.
Reynisdrangar

This place is actually ‘seen’ from Dyrhólaey itslef but to reach there one has to go back to route “1” and then take route “215” which is little more than 20 kms and the drive the drive will ask for constant alertness as the road is really small. An impressive sight from the shore, the sea stacks are called as Reynisdrangar are only a short distance from land. They are named Skessudrangur, Langhamar and Landdrangur.
Halsanefshellir

Even though I was way behind my schedule, didnt want to miss this place for anything. We drove to this place thinking no one would be around just to see more than 50 cars parked. We walked to the beach and the wind was nothing less than bone chilling. There is a famous cavern called Halsanefshellir one of the basalt formation which could be explored only when the weather permits. We were lucky enough to take a quick walk into it.

Laufskalavarda

Almost every tourist passby this road create a small tower stacking small stones. The reason is, in 894, an eruption destroyed Katla (this farm). The neighboring farm was Dunskogar, home of the settler Hrafn Hafnarlykill, and the region was known as Dynskogahverfi. Sources state that there were 24 doors on iron hinges at Laufskalar. The lava mound which is known as Laufskalavarda named after this farm. Entire area is made of the molten lava and right after the rain, green moss comes to life and makes the place very unique.
Skaftafell (Vatnajokull nationak park)

Officially marks the entrance to the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður, give up reading the name please. Serious hikers are seen here. This is a place one can walk up to the mouth of a glacier. However, the weather and time didnt permit me for either of it. So I had to use a small break and rushed to my last stop before going back all the way to selfoss. Skaftafell has a hiking track that takes to Black waterfall on asphalt rocks – its a 2km trail from skaftafell visitor center.

The drive got even better in another 30 minutes of drive on the same road. Skogafoss is originated from the notorious Eyjafjalljokull and also from the Myrdalsjokull glacier. As the Skoga river approaches the edge of the moor, the river runs over a layer of rock until rushing down in a beauitul skirt shaped waterfalls. Its 15 meters wide and 62 meters of height. The cliffs are actually ancient coastal cliffs which were formed by coastal erosion at the end of the last ice age. One can walk upto the pool underneath the waterfall after crossing pebble filled path. My favorite was walking to the top from the east side of the falls all the way up. Thanks to the lovely metal staircases, it was a brisk morning walk that promised a view till the horizon with the spectacular mix of green shades. If one doesnt mind the slippery 50 feet trial, halfway, could feel the sound that pumps the heart naturally. I stoodstill not to shake myself and slowly took steps back to return to the metal stairs. From the top various hiking routes are there. While I wishes I had time to hike, happily settled down just by knowing where it goes. The hikes takes almost to the both the origins via the mountain passes and another route takes one to Thorsmork, one that I wanted to visit using 4×4.

The mother of driving experiences – that ever I would do again, in terms of the distance. It was little excess of 750 KMs of drive in just one day with all exploring mini hiking etc. I still smile when I write this. For a first time SUV/LHS-wheel driver, I have no idea which guardian angel ensured that I made it through. Will share share how I did it and how I shouldnt have..

Seljalandsfoss falls

First, we started bit late, at the last quarter of 10 and an hour of beautiful dark clouded weather and black roads lead us to Seljalandsfoss (Roughly 70Kms). The flat green earth sees a vertical green hill all of a sudden and there is a water leak from the top – thats exactly what it is. One can drive to the waterfalls from the long distance just by seeing it. It looked more than the best CGI work of a nature lover in simple terms. If its not for Iceland, I would still not believe its beauty. Its the cold bone chilling weather or that slight drizzling or that dark dusk cloulds that added clarity to the green or the air? I would have to go there again to investigate why it mesmerizes. Green pastures, hills, prefill every possible word with green and then this white thread on a green cloth appears. At the right place, a proper left turn takes us to the dreamy waterfalls. Best part of this waterfall is one can walk behind the fall if weather permits. It was bit slippery when we went due to rain. People go all the way up to view the falls from top. I managed to catch it via google street view when I was writing this. Am sure its worthy small hike to the top to see the little creek that creates that lovely show.

22 June 2015 – It was a cold morning. Really cold morning. I picked a brand-new looking Kia Sportage from Bluecar Rental and told myself – all will be okay. Iceland hadn’t realized its overdue for the summer. I had my plans ready and was closely following their road traffic websites and live camera weather feeds. Though it was disappointing, first day was promising. Keflavik looked just grey and a good amount of rain made me wonder how is the weather going to unfold for the rest of the day. We started little late (around 11-ish) from Bed and Breakfast hotel. Plan for the day was to cover Hallgrimskirkja church and Golden Circle route.

Reykhavik is world’s most northly capital and geologically, Iceland is the youngest country in the world. Europe’s second largest island after Great Britain – for statistics.

Hallgrimskirkja church

This was the only place we covered ‘in’ Reykjavik town as we wanted to see how the capital city looks. Its slow but good amount of traffic with hilly, narrow roads. Finally after asking couple of times politely, our GPS got me to the correct church. Parking can be quite tricky as all 4 sides can be parked but mostly ‘full’. I took couple of circles to find a place to shove my mammoth Sportage and awed for a moment thinking about my parking skills. (No big deal, just forward parking in between 2 cars and to make it a cakewalk, car had a rear camera as well.)

This is a quite unique church that took the inspiration from basalt rocks and some 38 years to complete. A lift that serves 8 floors and the church offers a small windows of views on all sides. Its beautiful to see the Iceland from that height. Somehow, it soothes your heart.

Thingvellir National Park

An hour of drive from the capital gets you to this Park. Its clearly marked and no one would miss if they drive. Lanscape changes dramatically shortly after exiting Reykhavik town.

Archaeologically, this is one of the interesting place in Iceland with unique views.

European and north American continetal techtonic plates drifted apart a bit right at this place and created bit curiosity with archealogists in 2000. This earthquake zone that covers 7 kms is made of a decade old volcanic rocks.

Best part about Iceland attractions is, you will find beautiful information centers; this place is no exception. An unique and ultra clean bathroom that makes you pay using credit card, volcanic rocks cut like knife-sliced-butter and a screen showing the history and underwater species of that area to say a few. From There its more like a free land, tracks going in many directions. One can take any and a leisurely walk can give lasting memories.

This itself told me that I have started bit late (8 am start could have been better (skipping the church) compareed to my 11am start. After spending a good 30 minutes with a walk, I got the engine revving for the next stop.

Another one hour of drive got us to Geysir, GPS may be suggesting couple of routes, take the big roads saying no-thanks to the small 4×4 roads, GPS will be friendly in few minutes later. Surprisingly, weather cleared up completely and the sun started shining. I was confused a bit just like the weather. How come it can go from a complete gloomy, rainy weather to sunshine like a pure summer. I have seen 4 weathers in a day but this is something else.

Geysir
The Mid atlantic ridge cuts Iceland into two parts, drifting away from each other at a rate of 2 cms per year. Geo thermal areas in Iecland are divided into high and low temperature areas depending on the nature of the geothermal system. The high temperature areas are within the volcanic zone, the low temperature ones outside. Geysir is a high temperature geothermalarea with a base temperature around 250° C.

Geysir is actually worn out but has a great history. It erupted and recorded some of the notorious heights. Strokkur is active and quietly creates enough attention every 4~5 minutes. Though the water spewn out is generally same but once in a while few meters of difference make them unique. Its said that strokkur erupts 30 meters but when we were there, it was trying to meet that stats.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Another 10 minutes of drive from Geysir takes us to the end of Highway that looks flat hiding the magnicifient waterfalls of Europe right at the arms reach. Parking is vast and its there at 2 places one at the base and another at the head. Both the places are worth exploring. Road signs are not that great for the lower parking area but can be seen from the head which has a restaurant and one of the most expensive sovenior shops I have ever seen.

Trail of Sigridur shares the struggle of the lady for the conservation of this waterfall. With a polite bow, I can say its all worth. It is likely that Gullfoss was given its name because of the golden evening hue which often colours its glacial water. Another theory is that the name was inspried by the rainbow which often appears when the sunshine hits the water-spray thrown up by the waterfall. We witnessed it too!.

The gulfoss gorge was formed by flash flood waters that forced their way through cracks in the basalt lava layers. The average water flow in Gullfoss is 109 cubic meters per second (thanks to the notice board), but at times it reaches 2000 cubic meters per second. This flow is enough to fill 60 transportation containers with water in one second. In some instances, flash flood waters in Hvita have been so great that the gorge below the waterfall has overflowed.

Waterfall Faxi

Gulfoss, officially concludes the Golden Circle. However, as we didnt have to go all the way back to Reykjavik, we wanted to explore the waterfall Faxi (Vatnsleysufoss). Goodluck with finding using GPS, the road to selfoss takes you almost there but in a blink all would miss it. Thanks for the no-signboard roads I had to de-tour and had to go back. There is a camping area as well but this waterfalls is not as glamourous as Gullfoss but its people-free environment and that cold breeze can ease most of the stress accumulated that day. Its like those childhood memories that warms up the heart anytime.

Nightcap @ Selfoss

This is a sleepy little town that gets back into shell even before its 6. At the center of the town, Subway and Dominos pizza entertain customers till 10 pm roughly. I was just in time to offload our things in our airbnb stay and to drive to subway to get our dinner. Offusa river hugs the town and passes smooth not to disturb the sleepy selfoss here; the bridge makes one to feel that they are entering an island thats selfoss. Another 10 kms of drive down south would take us to some fishing villages but as we had enough fun for the day, we settled with the quilt for the night.